Elon Musk, known for SpaceX, Tesla, and the social platform X (formerly Twitter), has always been in the spotlight. In 2024, he made headlines with big steps in space exploration, political engagements, and major changes to X.
As 2025 nears, Musk’s influence keeps growing. His impact spans industries, attracting both fans and critics. SpaceX, his most famous venture, had a standout year in 2024, thanks to Starship, its fully reusable rocket that’s still under development.
SpaceX’s Big Achievements
Starship had a successful launch in 2024, marking a major step forward. Dr. Wendy N. Whitman Cobb, an expert in strategy and security studies, called this progress “transformative.”
“The most powerful rocket ever built, Starship supports SpaceX’s mission of making space travel routine and affordable,” she said.
This success also supports NASA’s Artemis program, where Starship will play a key role in the Artemis 3 mission, aiming to land astronauts on the Moon.
SpaceX also dominated the global launch market in 2024, sending more mass into orbit than any country. While this shows SpaceX’s capabilities, some worry it’s limiting competition.
“They’ve outpaced Russia and made it tough for European launchers like Ariane,” Dr. Whitman Cobb noted. “It might even discourage new companies from entering the market.”
Radical Changes at X
While Musk’s space achievements are admired, his ownership of X has sparked controversy. Since buying the platform in 2022, Musk has introduced big changes.
Dr. Anabel Quan-Haase, a sociologist studying social networks, highlighted the ripple effects of Musk’s management.
“Musk’s decisions at X have influenced other platforms, pushing them toward deregulation,” she explained. “Facebook, once under scrutiny for issues like cyberbullying and misinformation, abandoned its safety measures after Musk’s changes at X.”
Dr. Quan-Haase warned that Musk’s free-speech approach has led to an online environment where harassment and personal attacks thrive.
“Platforms like X and Truth Social have become echo chambers, catering to specific political groups,” she added.
These changes have financial consequences. Advertisers are spending less on X, avoiding association with harmful content. Many users are also moving to safer online spaces.
Balancing Space and Politics
Musk’s growing role in politics is adding another layer to his already complex image. He has been a key supporter of US President-elect Donald Trump, spending over $100 million on Trump’s campaign and promoting him heavily on X.
As part of Trump’s team, Musk is set to join the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in 2025. The department aims to cut government regulations and streamline operations, though critics fear Musk’s involvement could lead to conflicts of interest.
A Lasting Legacy?
Musk’s influence raises questions about his legacy. Will his focus on politics and X overshadow his achievements in space? Dr. Whitman Cobb reflected on this, saying SpaceX’s success is closely tied to Musk’s leadership and vision.
“If Musk weren’t around, would SpaceX still thrive? Maybe, but his unique approach has played a big role in its success,” she said.
As 2025 begins, Elon Musk’s journey continues to inspire debate. Whether in space, politics, or tech, his impact remains undeniable.
